Equine Facilitated Learning

What is Equine Facilitated Learning?

Through a series of specifically designed activities, participants in Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) deepen their awareness of personal issues, core feelings and areas of body tension that inhibit the ability to reach their true potential. A tremendous boost in self-esteem and confidence comes from learning how to establish boundaries and direct a thousand-pound creature through mental focus, creative visualization and clarity of intent.

These skills, which can be difficult to teach in a conventional class room or counseling session, have far-ranging applications that are  linked to increased success in personal relationships, career and parenting. Horse-facilitated activities help people to recognize ineffective patterns and behavior while developing strong coping strategies that help to engage in collaborative and meaningful relationships..

What is Individual and Couples Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy?

In Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFT), horses partner with humans to facilitate emotional healing. It is a collaborative effort with  a licensed therapist designed to address specific treatment issues presented by the client or couple. Participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors and patterns. Issues vary with each individual or couple, but can include uncovering and managing emotions such as anger, anxiety, sadness or grief. Issues arise relating to self-esteem, assertiveness, control, trust, communication, boundaries, separation, perfectionism, decision making, leadership and intimacy.

Equine Facilitated Learning and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy requires no previous experience with horses and involves working on the ground with the horse in a safe setting with an experienced facilitator.

Why Horses?

Horses are social creatures that readily and honestly respond to the challenges inherent in forming and sustaining relationships. Because horses are prey animals in nature, they are sensitive and mindful beings that have survived by maintaining a highly developed ability to respond to subtle changes in stance, muscle tension, breathing and arousal levels of other horses and predators. Above all else, horses ask us to be congruent with our thoughts, feelings and actions. By doing so, we respond to them and they respond to us authentically in present time.

Learn better communication, clearer boundary setting and positive collaboration with your partner through the way of the horse. No horse expereince required, there are no mounted activities. Limit to 4 couples. Plesase call or email for more information.